IRISH GARDENING. 



Correspondence. 



Catalogues. 



Sir, — In " W. T.'s " report of Trim Show in your 

 October issue he draws attention to that society's rule — 

 " \'ases of cut flowers may not be raised off the 

 staging" — and suggests that country shows should have 

 theirs tiered. 



When the country societies can provide staging 

 equal to that of the National Sweet Pea Society at the 

 Royal University this season we shall all welcome the 

 change, but I think it will take time and experience 

 before isolated committees will erect such efficient 

 accommodation. 



In favour of flat staging it certainly works best at 

 shows where the exhibitors have to supply their own 

 vases, as these are easily procurable in three or more 

 sizes to suit individual taste. 



Is it fair that an\-one living close to the place of an 

 exhibition can bring flower pots or other contrivance to 

 raise their exhibits, and thus crush out those com- 

 petitors who cannot do likewise, owing to their having 

 to come long distances by car or train ? 



The first prize exhibit of sweet peas at Trim Show 

 had vases in three sizes, as suggested above, and the 

 effect was very good — it owes its success to this fact. 



Personally I think the rule is very fair, and places all 

 exhibitors on an equal footing. 



At two shows in this district, presumably, the com- 

 mittees were experimenting with raised staging this 

 season, but the result in the sweet pea classes was most 

 disastrous. 



I agree with " Provincial " in your November 

 number as to the advisability of starting a bureau for 

 the exchange of suggestions and mutual help. 



" White Spencer." 



Seed Potatoes. J. F. Williamson, Summer Hill, 

 Mallow, Ireland. — This interesting and well illustrated 

 catalogue is full of information respecting potatoes, but 

 especially, of course, about the varieties with which 

 Mr. Williamson's name is associated. Three pages are 

 devoted to the results of comparative experiments 

 carried on in diff'erent parts of England, under the con- 

 trol of various educational authorities, with English, 

 Scotch, and Irish seed, the latter being supplied by Mr. 

 Williamson. Everyone interested in the subject should 

 certainly consult the tables here reproduced, in which 

 the superiority of Irish seed potatoes is strikingly 

 demonstrated. The freedom from black scab in Irish 

 soil ought to still further enhance the value of seed 

 tubers from this country. 



Spring List. S. M'Gredy & Son, Portadown. — This 

 is a well-illustrated catalogue, running to 70 pages, and 

 includes descriptive lists of all kinds of garden seeds. 

 Sweet peas are apparently a speciality of the firm, and 

 carefully selected collections are offered to intending 

 exhibitors. In the matter of florists' flowers we note 

 that systematic seed testing and recording are practised 

 in order to secure a high standard of germination. In 

 potato " seed " the Messrs. M'Gredy is said to be one 

 of the largest distributors in Ireland. 



POT.\TOES. Wesley Forbes, Gilnahirk, Belfast — 

 The booklet ought to be consulted by readers interested 

 in potato culture. It contains full descriptions of the 

 newer varieties, and is handsomely illustrated by photo- 

 graphic illustrations on plate paper. Reference is made 

 to the importance of securing "seed" free from black 



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